Category Archives: Design Inspiration

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As fall approaches, you most likely are digging out old decorations to hang around your home. From 10-year old leaf wreaths to a glass pumpkin that served its time, it is time for you to update your fall decor. You can create custom fall decor from things found right in your very own backyard. Imagine having unique pieces to display each fall because you know how to create them yourself and here is how:

Let Dried-Out Flowers Go To Good Use. If you love having fresh flowers in your home, you may currently have some flowers that are ready to be replaced. Before you throw them away, put them to good use by using them as fall decor.

How to dry flowers: An easy way to dry your flowers is to hang them upside down in a gathered bunch. Simply tie together the bottom of the flowers with a rubber band then hang them upside avoiding direct sunlight or air conditioning.

Search for Ideas in Your Backyard. From branches to pinecones, your backyard may be a hotbed of great fall decor ideas. Make it a family activity by inviting everyone outside for a fun scavenger hunt. You can make a list of great finds and see who can find the most items.

Update Your Old, Outdated Pumpkins. If you current plastic pumpkins look worn, try adding life to them by spray painting them. You could even spray paint them with chalkboard paint and write fun fall messages.

Make a Unique Wooden Sign. Nothing says “welcome” like a custom, DIY sign made by you and your loved ones. Gather everyone into the living room for a fun night filled with laughs and making decor pieces. Everyone can paint a wooden plank then you can stack the planks outside for a warm, welcoming look.

Think about Meals. Food items like butternut squash and acorn squash can help bring your centerpiece to life. Try decorating with fall food that you can find at your local grocery store.

We hope that you found these ideas helpful and that you and your loved ones have a safe and happy fall season.

Professional Interior Designers have tips and tricks up their sleeve when they go to design a home. But if you are on a budget, you may never have the chance to work with an interior designer. You do not have to hire a professional designer to make your home look amazing. We have all the design and decorating ideas that the pro’s do not want you to know!

A Pro-Decorating Guide:

Tip 1: Focus on The Strengths.

Every home has some defining characteristics that make it special. Whether you have a giant picture window in your living room or a chandelier in your dining room, you want to focus on the strengths. Draw attention to your home’s strengths by framing your furniture and decor around them.

Tip 2: A Door of New Possibilities.

Most homeowners work so hard on their interior decor that they forget about their front door. The front door is the first thing anyone will notice about your home. Not to mention the front door is inside of your home; therefore, you want to make sure it sets the tone for the house. Whatever you decide for your front door, make sure it ties in well with the rest of your home. If you are doing a bold, colorful front door, we recommend having the front entrance in more subtle, neutral colors.

Tip 3: Stay Neutral.

Speaking of neutral colors, they are the best choice when choosing a paint color. It is easier to decorate with colors when you decide to use neutral wall colors. Plus, you can change out seasonal decor without having to worry about it matching with the walls.

Tip 4: Hello Sunshine.

The more natural lighting you have, the better your home will look. Draw your curtains back as frequently as possible to let the natural light flood your home.

Tip 5: Invite Conversation.

Frame your furniture around conversation, especially in the living room. You can either follow the “H” or the “U” rule when setting up your furniture. Just set the couches and chairs inside one of those letters and it will help invite more conversation.

Tip 6: Mirror, Mirror on The Wall.

Mirrors are a great piece of decor in any room! That is why we encourage adding a mirror to every room in your house. You may be thinking “every room!?” Yes, every room. Mirrors are magical because they can open up your space by reflecting that natural light we talked about earlier. Add a mirror for the perfect finish to your decor.

Redesigning your home does not need to be as expensive as you may think. We have six budget-friendly tips for redesigning your home this year.

Budget-Friendly Design Tips:

Tip No. One: Make it a DIY Project.

You can save a lot of money during a redesign by doing the work on your own. Hiring a contractor for every job can get pricey quick. If you think that you may be able to master the task, try and do it yourself! The library is a great resource if you are looking for a self-help book to begin a DIY project.

Tip No. Two: Invite Friends + Family.

No one is more willing to help than those who love you most (it is at least worth asking, right?). Ask your friends and family to come over for a day to help you tackle some big home improvement projects and promise a pizza dinner for their hard work.

Tip No. Three: Look Local.

The price tags on some of the high-end furniture stores’ items can be outrageous and downright unaffordable. If you are looking to save money, check your local thrift stores and consignment shops. You may even find hidden treasures at yard and estate sales right in your own community.

Tip No. Four: Stick to Stock Items.

Skip the custom designs and purchase stock items. This can save you a ton of money in the long-run!

Tip No. Five: Search for Sales.

Sales and discounts are everywhere nowadays, you just need to find them. Take some time each day to read through your email blast and see if any discount would apply to your needs. Extra savings can help with your budget and it is a good idea to keep an eye out on sales whenever possible.

Tip No. Six: Do Not Start from Scratch.

One of our most valuable budget-friendly tips for you is to not start from scratch. We encourage you to reuse some items that you already own. You can take a boring picture frame and repurpose it into a modern masterpiece.

We would love to hear your feedback. Let us know what you think in the comment section.

Has the time come and you’re ready to paint the interior of your home? If so, we would like to share some tips to avoid common mistakes when choosing paint colors. These helpful tips will eliminate any questions, doubt or concerns for tackling this project!

Do Not Pick Your Color First – Determine what you are keeping in the room. Organize existing colors in the room starting with the flooring, furniture, window coverings, art work, and area rugs. Don’t forget how much natural light comes into the room. Consider how all these various colors play off each other and choose your color to support these various items. Choose your main wall color from an accent throw pillow, area rug or window coverings. If you pick your color first, you will limit your choices for items that match.

Not Considering the Entire Home – Think about walking from room to room and understanding that this flow is considered your transitioning through the home. You want the entire home to blend aesthetically from room to room. You would not paint the kitchen red and the family room a neon green.

Do Not Pick a Color Too Saturated or Bright – If you love red, don’t paint the entire room red because it will over power the room. Choose an accent piece like a lamp with a red base or red accent pillows to introduce the color into the room. Wall colors with a lighter more muted color like a gray work much better for the wall color. The last thing you want is for the paint colors to fight and clash with the other colors in the room.

Don’t Overlook Your Emotional Goals – If your favorite color is yellow, don’t paint your bedroom a bright yellow. Your bedroom should be a peaceful and relaxing retreat. When you enter the room, the visual goal is to decompress and relax preparing you for a restful night’s sleep. Choosing a bright saturated color will have the opposite effect. Think of using a muted green, blue, lavender or gray paint colors.

We love to hear from you, so please share the outcome of this current project!

You’ve been scouring Pinterest searching for ways you can elevate the decor in your room. If you’re set on adding some drama to a space in your home than you may want to consider creating an accent wall. Accent walls immediately capture the eye which is why they are often the primary or secondary focal point of a room.

From paint colors to materials and surface finishes there are unlimited options available when creating an accent wall. Here are some tips to guide you through the process.

Go Bold or Go Home

Perhaps the easiest way to begin designing your accent wall is to paint it a different color from what you’ve already used in the space. Since you want this wall to stand out you should use bold colors that you normally wouldn’t use because it would overwhelm the space. You’ll also want to make sure the color that you select complements the other colors used in the room. Remember, dark colors can suck up the natural light in a room. Whether you opt for a bright or deep color make sure it’s a hue that you love.

Try fabric or vintage wallpaper with a bold pattern to create a unique look.

Ceramic tile is another material you can use for an accent a wall that will be both unique and eye-catching.

The Ceiling

Have you ever thought about extending the accent wall to the ceiling? A stylish trend in the industry is to add a pop of color to the ceiling. Make the ceiling your accent wall by using vivid colors that will draw attention upwards. Use a neutral color crown molding to separate the wall color from the ceiling.

Accessories

Don’t forget to accessorize your accent wall. Family photographs, mirrors or a mini bookshelf are just a few ways you can add some pizzazz to your accent wall. On the other hand, too many accessories will make the wall look cluttered.

Who does not love a great “do it yourself” project? If you love making your own personalized items, we have the perfect DIY project for you! Imagine unique, custom curtains that you made all by yourself. We have three curtains & tie-back ideas that you can make from items found around your home. Let us get started!

Warning: This project can be extremely addicting!

DIY Window Curtains:

Curtain No. 1: Stenciled Curtains.

You will absolutely love the way that these curtains turn out for you. All you need to transform your currently boring curtains is cloth paint, a stencil, and a paint sponge.

Curtain No. 2: Painted Window Curtains.

Embody your “middle school art class” self and consider painting unique curtains for your home. You can do lines, shapes or go full out with a complex design. Painted curtains are perfect for a child’s bedroom and/or playroom. These curtains can represent the playfulness found in a child’s room.

Curtain No. 3: Bed Sheet Curtains.

You may have extra bed sheets in your home that serve no purpose. Take your old bedding and repurpose them into curtains! Make sure to iron the sheets before you hang them, but with some simple cutting and sewing skills, you can have some inexpensive stylish curtains.

Creative Curtain Tie-Backs:

Idea No. 1: Vintage Door Knobs.

Vintage stores are filled with classic, timeless door knobs that would be perfect for holding back your custom curtains. Before you pitch any old door knobs in your home, consider if you can use them to tie back your custom curtains.

Idea No. 2: Stylish Metallic Chain.

Nothing says bold like a gold chain tying back your curtains. This trendy look is perfect for rooms that want to incorporate style and function.

Idea No. 3: A Teacup.

Wait before you laugh at us for this one. If you take out the bottom of the teacup, the body of the tea cup can be run through the curtains in order to hold them back. Try using a vintage tea cups to achieve a classic look.

We hope you enjoyed these DIY Window Treatment ideas and we would love to hear from you. If you have any tips or tricks of your own, please share them with us and the other readers in the comment section below:

Adding character to your home doesn’t require a complete overhaul. From small changes to larger statement pieces, you can add charm without breaking the bank. You may already love your space but feel like something more is needed or lacking to make it perfect. Here are a few ideas to get you started with finding that missing puzzle piece to your decor.

When you walk through your home, do you have a lot of open wall space? This can make your living space seem like a blank slate waiting to be claimed. Using a large wall decoration will not only fill that empty space but keep it from becoming cluttered with smaller items intended to fill every square inch of free room. By using a larger piece you will be able to solve the problem of lack of decoration while adding some charm at the same time. When it comes to what to place there, think of things like a tapestry, large wall clock, canvas painting or even a metal wall sculpture.

Do you have a home office or living room that looks a little bland? Try adding a couple of tall bookcases where you can display all the good reads you’ve picked up throughout the years. Use a rich stain to really give it a classic look. Whether plain in craftsmanship or built with intricate designs and patterns, it will be an attractive addition to your home. If there is room on top of them, consider a couple of small sculptures you can place on top of each.

An easy way to add charm to your home is through an update of hardware and other fixtures. If your doorknobs are plain in appearance, try crystal knobs or a french door lever handle style. Look at your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Are the faucets looking a bit dull with use? An update in color (from brass to brushed nickel or bronze, for example) can change the room’s look. Look at the handles you are using on your kitchen and bathroom cabinets as well. If they are a bit dated, opt for a more modern design. Finally, updating your light fixtures with distinctive glass shapes and pendants can instantly add character to the room. Play around with bulbs, glass colors and different areas of the home you could add a little light.

If you’re set on creating a kitchen that embraces the warmth and a classic rustic feel then you’ll likely gain inspiration from the French country designed kitchen. Yes, this style has strong notes of elegance while embracing the countryside lifestyle.

What are some characteristics of a French country kitchen? Most French country-inspired kitchens are big enough to feature an eating area where your family and friends can gather for an informal meal. Take this into consideration when making decorating decisions.

You’ll notice that mustard yellows and warm reds are a characteristic of a real French country style kitchen. Often, a French country design cleverly combines elegant high-quality materials and more relaxed materials. Here are some tips for recreating the French country style design in your own kitchen.

The countertops and cabinets in a French country kitchen should be derived from all natural materials. Usually, the countertops and cabinets are built using genuine woods which include: oak, cherry and maple wood varieties. Raised panel cabinets are popular in French country kitchens. The countertops feature dark, glossy or matte finishes with light colored cabinetry.

Furnishing is especially important in achieving this design. You should make sure that the furniture has that weathered and lived in feel. For a more modern chic look, you can mix wood finishes and top off the look with metallic details. If you select upholstered furniture to be sure to use French fabrics. Toile fabrics are popular in this style kitchen because they often showcase gardens, animals, sanctuaries and other elements of French elegance.

Fauteuil chairs, farmhouse tables, and large plank style flooring are some characteristics of a French country design kitchen. When selecting artwork and accessories be sure to steer towards items that feature botanical and pastoral scenes. In addition, simple frames with gold tones are common. Kitchen utensils should be antique or embrace farm culture. Therefore, you’ll want to select woodcraft.

Keep in mind when designing that a true French provincial style kitchen is known for its ornate details, soft color palette, and elegant accessories.

If you’re in the process of designing the living area than you might want to consider the traditional living room style. You’ ll find that a traditional living room can serve important basic functions. Yes, it serves a formal seating area where you can entertain guests as well as casual family space.

A traditional living room will blend hints of elegance with a style that embraces comfortability. Living room of this style will have an Old World or European feel that features a few antique pieces, simple artwork, and graceful lines.

Here are some basics to keep in mind when designing a traditional living room.

Color

When creating a traditional style living room many people tend to either be super neutral or too bold in their decoration. However, the key is finding a good balance. A neutral color is often the dominant hue in this design. You’ll see such neutral colors such as; beige, cream, black and hunter green. Neutral colors should be used on the walls. However, bold colors are also encouraged as accent colors to emphasize areas of interest. If you decide to go neutral with your furnishing pieces such as the sofa and ottoman than you should go bold with your decorative accessories.

Details

Details are important in the traditional living room because this style is defined by it. Decorative moldings, arches, and antique finishes are characteristics that contribute to the overall look. Therefore, you’ll want to consider seemingly small things such as; the design of the area rug, the small pillows you’ll use on the couch and even the television stand.

Furniture

As you begin to search for furniture be sure to start off with the essentials. Be sure to start off with a coffee table and comfortable couch. Once you have purchased the staple items than you’ll be able to select accent furniture and additional accessories for the living room.

Remember, you’ll want your living room area to be highly functional for day to day living as well as comfortable for your family and friends. When selecting furniture, you should make sure that there are adequate seating options and sufficient storage. Consider furniture pieces that can serve more than one purpose.

There are no specific rules that you must follow when creating a traditional style living room. Remember to simply have fun and be creative.

If you’re in the process of designing the living area than you might want to consider the traditional living room style. You’ ll find that a traditional living room can serve important basic functions. Yes, it serves a formal seating area where you can entertain guests as well as casual family space.

A traditional living room will blend hints of elegance with a style that embraces comfortability. Living room of this style will have an Old World or European feel that features a few antique pieces, simple artwork, and graceful lines.

Here are some basics to keep in mind when designing a traditional living room.

Color

When creating a traditional style living room many people tend to either be super neutral or too bold in their decoration. However, the key is finding a good balance. A neutral color is often the dominant hue in this design. You’ll see such neutral colors such as; beige, cream, black and hunter green. Neutral colors should be used on the walls. However, bold colors are also encouraged as accent colors to emphasize areas of interest. If you decide to go neutral with your furnishing pieces such as the sofa and ottoman than you should go bold with your decorative accessories.

Details

Details are important in the traditional living room because this style is defined by it. Decorative moldings, arches, and antique finishes are characteristics that contribute to the overall look. Therefore, you’ll want to consider seemingly small things such as; the design of the area rug, the small pillows you’ll use on the couch and even the television stand.

Furniture

As you begin to search for furniture be sure to start off with the essentials. Be sure to start off with a coffee table and comfortable couch. Once you have purchased the staple items than you’ll be able to select accent furniture and additional accessories for the living room.

Remember, you’ll want your living room area to be highly functional for day to day living as well as comfortable for your family and friends. When selecting furniture, you should make sure that there are adequate seating options and sufficient storage. Consider furniture pieces that can serve more than one purpose.

There are no specific rules that you must follow when creating a traditional style living room. Remember to simply have fun and be creative.